Kia to Add GT Version of Next-Generation Pro_cee’d

VIENNA – Kia reveals the first sketch of its upcoming pro_cee’d GT, a sporty version of its second-generation pro_cee’d 3-door hatchback.

The company describes the new version as “a hot hatch perfectly aligned with Kia’s sportiness and fun-to-drive positioning.”

The GT model will feature a 1.6L turbocharged direct-injected gasoline engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The auto maker does not provide power ratings for the engine.

The cee’d model range is manufactured solely at the Kia Motors Slovakia car plant in Teplicka nad Vahom near Zilina, Slovakia, and sold mainly in Europe.

Kia launched volume production of the second-generation cee’d compact 5-door hatchback in April and added the cee’d Sportswagon in August.

Volume production of the new pro_cee’d will start in first-quarter 2013, with the GT version to follow in the second half of the year.

The Kia Sportage cross/utility vehicle and the Venga multipurpose vehicle also are manufactured at the Slovak facility.

In contrast to many European plants that have to reduce production because of the economic crisis, Kia’s Slovak operation will achieve a new production record this year.

The auto maker launched a third shift for car production in January

In October, Kia Motors Slovakia achieved its best month ever, producing more than 30,000 vehicles, up 35 % from like-2011. The Kia plant built more than 253,000 units this year through Nov. 8, which already exceeds the 252,228 vehicles manufactured in entire 2011.

Earlier this year, the auto maker said it expected to manufacture about 285,000 cars in 2012, but the final production figure now is expected to be higher.